The Dackel Princess

On Wednesday night, I seemed to toss and turn all night long. Finally about 4 AM I settled in, and fell into a deep sleep. Apparently, I’d kept the dogs awake too because they slept deeply as well, and right past their usual wake-up time of 7 AM.It was now 8 o’clock and both Hubby and I needed to be out the door in just a few minutes.

What did this mean? It meant that I grabbed my clothes and ran to the kitchen while trying to put them on. In my sleep I attempted to make the coffee and ended up putting the coffee grounds into the water filler! Of course I did not have my glasses on, so I ran back in the bedroom, grabbed my glasses, went back into the kitchen, and cleaned the coffee maker out and then set the coffee to brew.

Teeth were brushed, dogs were walked, thermoses were filled and we both made it out of the house, only slightly later than we should have.

Time.

After my class, I came home to three happy doggies. One was missing! Yes, Fritz went off with his Daddy for a day in the woods.

I picked the last of my Ichiban Eggplant and made an eggplant parmesan for our dinner. It came out pretty well, and I managed to eat a little before racing off to my meeting.

I finally came home and for the first time all day I am not racing around. I’ve put up my feet and gotten my pajamas on and I’m enjoying the quiet.

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything?

• Hubby was awarded the Air Medal when he served in Vietnam.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?

• My husband was an Army Aviator.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.

• We’re going to an Army Aviator’s Reunion soon and seeing all those men and knowing how they sacrificed to serve their country always makes me misty. I have been able to visit cemeteries in England and Washington, DC (Arlington National Cemetery) and seeing all those headstones also brings tears to my eyes.

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your “placement” made a difference in your personality?

• I‘m the baby of my family. I was the last one in, not terribly wanted by my parents, but totally loved by my sister!

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.

• My grandparents are the example that I tried to follow. I have tried to be honest, loving, and giving.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?

• I live in New Hampshire, and we have a lot of cold weather. So, I like pants!

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?

• I’m up 2-3 times at night. Big babies gave me a small bladder! Usually I fall back to sleep quickly, but if not, I have learned to put myself back to sleep through relaxation techniques.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.

Since I have several, I will share my favorites.

• “You must make your own life amongst the living and, whether you meet fair winds or foul, find your own way to harbor in the end. ” The Ghost & Mrs Muir

• “May the Force be with you.” Star Wars

• “I’ll have what she’s having.” When Harry Met Sally

• “After all, tomorrow is another day!” Gone With The Wind

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?

• Pumpkin Pie

10. What is one Fall activity you’re looking forward to?

• Making Applesauce.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.

• I went to a movie, expecting not to like it at all. We saw “The Town” with Ben Affleck and I loved it!!!

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?

• My first in-laws were wonderful and I loved them dearly. Sadly, that marriage didn’t work out. My second in-laws were quite elderly and didn’t really accept our marriage and so the relationship was strained.

I was watching Kathie Lee and Hoda

this morning and they were talking about age. You know, if you are honest about your age, or your weight and the numbers that define us.

You all know that in November I will be turning 52 years old. I’ve never been uncomfortable talking about my age. In fact, I’m quite proud that I even survived my twenties, so arriving in my 50’s two years ago, felt good. I feel young inside my head, even if various parts of my body are now heading south, or totally rusting up and falling off.

They asked people on the street how old they were and I was amazed at how many people  didn’t want to answer. Am I the only person on the face of the earth that feels pride at being their age? Do you tell the truth about your age, fudge the numbers or simply not answer?

Now weight is a totally different thing. I shall be 129 pounds until the day I die. No matter the hour, day or year.

(And the fact that I haven’t weighed 129 pounds since I was 26 years old won’t stop me either!  Just look at my drivers license! 129 pounds!)

Of course, back in my head again, I am 129 pounds, and my body resembles the firm and toned body I had when I was 16 and doing gymnastics! Even my 28 year old body wasn’t too bad, although not quite as good.

I’d just like to think that when I do die and hopefully go to Heaven that slim and perky body will be restored.

One can hope…

Our host is Gattina. Come join us and tell us what YOU did this past weekend!

My weekend was actually quite full. On Friday I was on my way home from my cousin’s home after caring for her overnight. I was tired and a bit on the cranky side, but when I arrived and was greeted by my very own four doggies, I felt a lot better. Oh yes, and Hubby was also glad to see me!

Saturday I worked around the house, cleaning and doing some computer work before I showered and got ready to go to Mandy’s house for dinner.

My daughter lives about an hour south of us in a town next to where Hubby and I lived when we were first married. The roads are familiar and it was nice to drive down.

Mandy made the most delicious spinach lasagna and garlic toast! I brought a garden salad and her boyfriend’s mother brought a fruit salad. We all sat on their deck drinking wine and beer, and talking in the cool Autumn sunshine.

Time with my daughter is always too short, and before I knew it, we had to leave to come home.

Sunday was Dackel Dog Bath Day! All three of them were put in the shower and washed from the tops of their heads to the tips of their tails! Fritz was off with Hubby, and escaped being bathed again!

I’ve started making “chow-chow” relish. It’s a tomato recipe that calls for you to do half one day, let it sit overnight and then do the rest the next day. I sure hope this relish comes out well. I will keep you posted.

The week ahead is another busy one for me. Tuesday, and Wednesday I have meetings, but Thursday may find me on the road again.

Have a great week, everyone!

Wednesday I was running all day long, and here I am at 9 pm, just sitting down to write. Total craziness!

I had Weight Watchers, and did okay. I mean, I stayed the same, so that’s okay. I stayed as long as I could, and then I headed out because I wanted to find a new dress for the Reunion we will be attending in October.

I tried on many dresses and it is amazing how different styles make you look either too fat or just right. After I tried on 6 dresses, I finally found one I like, and at $39.00 I cannot complain at the price. It’s a solid black dress with an A-line skirt. Very pretty. I look very slender!

Then I was off to get my eyes examined and that went okay and I picked out new glasses.

I like these and so I ordered the new ones. They should be here in two weeks.

Our friends from Florida arrived this afternoon for the night. We went to dinner at Canoe and now we are sitting chatting.

Today I will be going to my cousin’s house to take care of her. She is finally home and now it’s time for the TLC! (Tender Loving Care!)

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.

No I don’t. My house is full and really, I should have a yard sale or two. Maybe a dozen!

2. Name the last thing you fixed.

The nightlight in my bathroom. I did it in the dark in the middle of the night.

3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool

Favorite tool are pliers! I love my pliers!

4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?

My dining room. Mostly it is a catch all room because we eat in the kitchen. I really need to get in there, organize, cull and clean.

5. Which room could use re-decorating?

The familyroom/kitchen. It’s an open format room and desperately needs painting, new rugs, and new furniture.

6. Share something unique about your town.

I could name some of the events that we have, the the restaurants that we have, but you know what makes my town truly special? The people! I love the people in my town. They have been there for me with a smile or a hug. Yes, for better or worse, I love the people in my little town!

7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?

Always remember, I love you!

8. Do you Facebook?

Oh yeah, big time.

9. Describe your favorite shoes.

Simple slip on black shoes. They are so comfortable.

10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?

I love talk radio, but I am not in the car very much. Usually I listen to the TV while I’m doing stuff. If I am listening to music on my MP3 player it’s easy listening rock type.

11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?

I’ve gone all the way down to the coast of my state, 70 miles, and I’ve also gone to another country, Germany! lol!

12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?

Ironing and doing laundry. And I’ll get to that, I promise!